Great Boulder's Jebb Swallow makes quick impression following switch to Diss Cricket Club

Diss Cricket Club have made a big statement ahead of the new Cecil Amey Opticians Norfolk Cricket Alliance Premier Division campaign getting under way with the signing of Jebb Swallow.

The Australian all-rounder has arrived at Rectory Meadow on the back of a fine season in his homeland, where his performances for Great Boulder earned him the Eastern Goldfields Cricket Association’s coveted O’Shaughnessy Medal.

Swallow, who secured two more votes for the accolade than any other player, topped the batting charts with 446 runs at an average of 55.75, while he also snared 14 wickets.

Diss Cricket Club have a new signing

And he showed no signs of struggling to adapt to English conditions during the weekend’s friendly defeat to last season’s champions Fakenham with an impressive 95 runs.

Diss captain Mark Williamson said: “He had a great season with Great Boulder and the fact that he won the award that covers all of the players in the division shows that.

“We actually signed him in December but wanted to keep it quiet until he was over here with us.

“He made a brilliant start against Fakenham and hopefully that is a sign of things to come.

“With Chris Cooper moving on we needed a top-order batsman and Jebb fills that space.

“We have good contacts at Great Boulder and have received a lot of positive reviews. When you go down the agency route it can be 50/50 in terms of whether it works out or not, but we know Jebb’s quality already.”

As well as being beaten by Fakenham, Diss lost their other friendly outing of 2019 against Marshall Hatchick Two Counties Division One reigning champions Worlington.

However, there are no concerns for Williamson, who said: “We only had half a side out against Worlington and also a couple of players were missing at the weekend.

“It has been a good winter and we cannot wait to get going on May 4 against Fakenham.”